HC Deb 01 May 1967 vol 746 cc79-80
33. Mr. Dean

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the recent report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes criticising the efficiency of certain aspects of the National Health Service; what action he proposes to take to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

I have noted the Board's comments on management and organisation of ancillary staff in the hospital service. It is my constant concern to secure improvement in these fields, in a wider context than that with which the Board were concerned.

Mr. Dean

Bearing in mind that the National Health Service is one of the biggest employers in the country and that the National Board for Prices and Incomes drew attention to deficiencies in organisation and the use of modern labour-management techniques, would the Minister consider the possibility of a much wider use of management consultants?

Mr. Robinson

I think the Board recognised that some of its comments on the organisation and management of the Service are outside its terms of reference and that it could not take account of all the relevant factors. Nevertheless, I accept that there is always room for improvement, and I am considering the implications of the Board's report. If we are to implement its suggestions, a considerable expansion of work study staff will certainly be required.

Mr. Pavitt

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it will be impossible to get efficiency while the pay of supervisory grades is so appallingly low? The basic rate of a person in charge of 74 porters is only £15 7s. a week. Is he also aware that contracting out work causes more expense than if we were to increase pay?

Mr. Robinson

These matters of pay are for the appropriate Whitley Council, which will no doubt take full account of what my hon. Friend said.

Mr. Braine

Do not those last two questions and answers reveal that there is a real need to investigate the use of manpower or womanpower in the National Health Service? Things are going hopelessly wrong, and is there not a case for an independent review of the Service?

Mr. Robinson

No, Sir. Things are not going hopelessly wrong. The National Board for Prices and Incomes was concerned solely with ancillary staff in the National Health Service.

Mr. Ogden

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that this is one of the dangers of delegating authority to regional boards? Has he any power to intervene and tell such authorities how they are to conduct their affairs?

Mr. Robinson

I have plenty of ways of making my wishes known to regional boards.